The red poppy and the poem, In Flanders Fields, by Lt Colonel John McCrae, M.D., are forever intertwined as a reminder of the blood shed in battle during World War I. As the poppy grew and flourished in the rubble left by the war in Europe, it inspired Lt Colonel McCrae, upon the death of his friend, to pen the words to In Flanders Fields. Written in the voice of the dead, it is a poignant reminder of the cost of freedom.

In Flanders Fields

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row.
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the gun below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

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Military Dates of Remembrance